Serious competition unfolded in the Chinese smartphone market. If a little earlier the main target of fakes was venerable Apple, Samsung or Sony, then recently copies of such companies as Lenovo and Xiaomi have surfaced more and more often in this market.
Checking the authenticity of the Xiaomi phone is not such a simple procedure, especially since the domestic user is not familiar with the design and other distinctive features of the gadget. Sometimes a fairly well-executed logo on a copy and a gullible consumer who has not seen the desired object alive will be guided by the tricks of scammers.
Let’s try to figure out what parameters are used to verify authentication (specifically for Xiaomi), and how to protect yourself from acquiring a low-quality copy.
Rear panel
You can distinguish a copy from the original using the back cover. In the original version of “Xiaomi”, it is made of high-quality plastic in a matte design, while fake, as a rule, with a cheap gloss that immediately catches your eye.
Sticker on Xiaomi Camera
Authentication can be carried out by the presence of a branded sticker in the lens area. The transport film is made of opaque fiber and clearly adheres to the lens. The method is suitable if you buy a gadget in the store, for the purchase option with your hands, alas, it does not work, since the stickers most likely no longer exist.
SIM card tray
The original Xiaomi gadget (authentication, for example, the Mi4 model), the SIM card slot has a little side, the color of the tray matches the color of the case, and the face does not protrude above the end surface of the device.
In addition, the smartphone does not support two SIM cards, so if you are told about the “new product” with two slots - do not believe it, this is a fake.
Firmware
For Xiaomi devices, authentication can be performed at the time of updating the firmware: if you have the original, then the new version of the operating system will load without problems, while the copy simply will not be able to update and even connect to the company's servers.
Interface
Original Xiaomi gadgets work on the Android platform with the MIUI proprietary shell. If your device has a bare OS, even an Android, then this is a fake. There are some nuances here: especially talented hackers are able to equip a copy with an original interface, so it will be useful to check the gadget for the rest of the items.
Original Xiaomi: IMEI Authentication
By analogy with Apple products, you can check the Xiaomi gadgets. On the official website of the manufacturer there is a special section where, after entering the IMEI value, you will be given information about the authenticity of the product.
The only problem that complicates the verification is Chinese characters. If entering the number is more or less clear, then enter captcha in Chinese - this is a problem.
Scratch code
You can always find a sticker with a protective layer on the original Xiaomi packaging. Under it is a scratch code, which just allows you to distinguish a fake from the original. After the protective layer is removed, you must enter the code of twenty characters on the official website of "Xiaomi" (similar to checking by IMEI). If the code is not accepted, then this is a fake.